If you’re in love with Japanese food, fashion, culture and wish to one day marry a Japanese person, there’s a business in Singapore that can help you achieve your dream.

Introducing Konkatu Singapore, a marriage agency founded by two Japanese expatriates who have lived in Singapore for a number of years.

During a recent interview with Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore, co-founder Miwa Suzuki shared that the business idea was conceived after the duo received multiple requests from friends asking matchmaking assistance. Most of them were fellow Japanese expats in Singapore seeking Japanese life partners here.

“Most of the members in the agency are looking for Japanese partners, but we also introduce Chinese or Western members from our partner agents located in Hong Kong or USA,” said Miwa, who is in her 40s. She is married to another expat in Singapore and has a child attending school here.

“Our aim is to reach out to those looking for marriage partners in Singapore. But we see there are many other Asian singles here who also want to have Japanese future life partners,” she said. “Japanese singles living abroad face difficulties in finding partners and it raises the unmarried rate in Japan.”

Miwa also revealed that Singapore has become a popular destination for Japanese to find love. She said she is not surprised by the phenomenon as Singapore has become a hub for the Asian economy.

“Singapore is also a hub for Konkatu. Some members who are not a Singaporean would visit Singapore to attend an omiai,” said Miwa. An “omiai” is a dating event set up for matchmaking candidates who are serious about getting married.

Konkatu Singapore’s recent omiai took place on 1 September and was attended by 13 men and 13 women. The co-founders hope to host such events at least twice a year. “Since everyone talks on a one-on-one basis, there are restrictions on the number of people,” said Miwa.

Konkatu, whose name stemmed from the word “konkatsu” or “marriage hunting” in Japanese, has a database of 60,000 people, some of whom are Singaporeans aged between 30 and 50 years for men and from 20 to 40 for women. “There are not many female Singapore members looking for Japanese future partners,” she said.

The length of time it takes for one to meet a life partner through the agency can be as short as six months to as long as two years.

“It depends on the person. Some members have attended a few omiai in Singapore or Japan before they find their life partners,” said Miwa, who went on to explain the matchmaking process.

“After we’ve understood each member’s background and preferences, we will create a profile sheet… unlike dating sites, after exchanging the profiles with other members, we will personally continue to support our members from the start of dating until the engagement of marriage,” said Miwa.

“All of our members are serious about marriage. But there are many who are unable to meet people due to their professions such as medical doctors, lawyers, cabin crew, models or musicians,” she added. Fees are required for some of their services such as attending the omiai and engagement of marriage.

The agency has also received positive feedback from clients as well. Quoting a customer, Miwa said, “I was surprised at the beginning to see many Japanese women in the database. Miwa-san introduced members of various types so I can I have an overview. Eventually, I was able to meet my ideal partner. I’m very happy now.”